Lameness

Question 1

Lameness scale range

Answer 1

0-5

Question 2

Lameness of 0

Answer 2

lameness is not perceptible under any circumstances

Question 3

Lameness of 1

Answer 3

lameness is difficult to observe and is not consistently apparent, regardless of circumstances (under saddle, circling, inclines, hard surfaces)

Question 4

Lameness of 2

Answer 4

lameness is difficult to observe at a walk or when trotting in a straight line but consistently apparent under certain circumstances (weight-carrying, circling, inclines, hard surface, etc.)

Question 5

Lameness of 3

Answer 5

lameness is consistently observable at a trot under all circumstances

Question 6

Lameness of 4

Answer 6

lameness is obvious at a walk

Question 7

Lameness of 5

Answer 7

lameness produces minimal weight bearing in motion and/or at rest or a complete inability to move

Question 8

How should a vet evaluate lameness?

Answer 8

-on different surfaces (hard and soft)
-under saddle
-at the walk and trot

Question 9

What two gaits are lameness best evaluated?

Answer 9

walk and trot
-they are both symmetrical
-simplest gates

Question 10

What are the main legs palpated for lameness?

Answer 10

back, neck, and forelegs

Question 11

When the lame foreleg hits the ground, the head will…

Answer 11

bob up

Question 12

When the sound foreleg hits the ground, the head will…

Answer 12

lower

Question 13

How do vets use the lameness scale?

Answer 13

-as a recording system (known to any other vet looking at it)
-in lameness exams
-to assess treatment response (ex: going from a grade 5 to a 2 after treatment)

Question 14

In most normal horses with good movement, the head and neck should be…

Answer 14

still

Question 15

Why is it important that the handler trots the horse at a comfortable speed?

Answer 15

-if it is too slow, the gait can be falsely irregular
-if it is too fast, the lameness could be masked

Question 16

Why is it important that the handler does not hold the lead too tightly?

Answer 16

too tight of a hold may create or mask abnormal movement because the head and neck won’t move naturally

Question 17

On a circle, what characteristics of hind limb movement might you look for?

Answer 17

-hind limb toe drag
-restricted hind limb impulsion
-breaking gait
-switching legs behind

Question 18

When the horse is lunged on a harder gravel surface and over pavement, he is not relaxed. How does his lack of relaxation effect his gait?

Answer 18

he shortens his stride and rushes because he is not relaxed
-his gait becomes irregular and unbalanced

Question 19

What are the advantages of having the horse under saddle as opposed to being examined in the lead or lunge line?

Answer 19

-added weight may accentuate the lameness
-hindlimb lameness is often only seen when ridden
-it can also help evaluate if the rider is the only one creating the irregularity in gait
-hindlimb lameness are more obvious when the ride sits as that hind leg comes under

Question 20

What characteristics does a vet look at in lateral movements?

Answer 20

-gait irregularities
-maintaining a regular rhythm
-evenness of strides
-looseness through the back
-hindquarters are smooth and supple
-placement/engagement of hind limbs

Question 21

What characteristics do vets look for in the extended trot?

Answer 21

-suppleness of back
-animation of stride
-large, smooth regular steps
-more suspension